As the voice of Canada’s seniors, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) claims a victory in the imposition of a six months hiatus in the postal strike which has been severely affecting the country for the past month. It is welcome news that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ordered the return of postal workers to their jobs, two days after Federal Liberal Minister Steven MacKinnon directed the Board to end the strike if it was obvious that a deal couldn’t be made. Canada Post will resume operations on Tuesday.
For CARP, the strike was deeply concerning since it had a disproportionate impact on seniors and older Canadians. Many of our members rely on postal services for essential needs, and disruptions in mail delivery are placing their well-being and financial security at risk.
CARP’s Education & Advocacy Officer, Bill VanGorder, notes that, “The impact on all seniors and older Canadians has had an immediate and negative impact. Particularly during the holiday season, it has placed many seniors at further economic and social risk.”
For seniors, the timely delivery of medications is a matter of health and safety. Many older Canadians rely on prescription drugs being delivered by mail, especially those who live in rural or remote areas where local pharmacies may not be easily accessible. Many may have medications and/or essential supplies stuck in the mail system – ordering duplicates may not be possible.
A delay in receiving these medications could lead to serious health complications and an increased burden on the healthcare system.
In addition to medications, seniors often receive important financial documents through the mail, including pension and social security cheques, government correspondence, and notices about healthcare and benefits. For many, these payments and documents are critical to their day-to-day living. The postal strike has created unnecessary uncertainty, as seniors have experience delays or even missed payments, which can lead to financial instability.
Furthermore, small businesses owned by seniors, which are integral to our communities, depend on Canada Post to send and receive invoices, cheques, and other important documents. The disruption in postal services affected their cash flow and operations, making it harder for them to maintain or grow their businesses.
CARP understands that Canada Post does need to rethink its business model and that postal workers deserve proper wages and working conditions. Seniors across Canada continue to depend on a reliable postal service. It is hoped that discussions continue and a fair settlement for all concerned is reached by May.
Contact
Bill VanGorder, Education & Advocacy Officer
902 999 3572
vangorder@carp.ca
